DUTCH Culture
Figure 1: (http://smokeice.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/bikes1.jpg)
The Netherlands has a rich cultural history, greatly involved in art, science literature and sports. It is seen as a fairly liberal country, having legalized certain drugs, prostitution, and euthanasia. It is also the first country in the world to legalize same sex marriage. Dutch culture is generally influenced by German, Indonesian, and English cultures, because of the ties between countries. The main language spoken in the Netherlands is Dutch, with Frisian also recognized as a first language. English is a common second language. The ethnic makeup is 81% Dutch, with some notable minorities including 2.4% Indonesian, 2.2% Turkish, 2% Moroccan, and 2% Surinamese. The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy and a democracy, currently headed by Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Queen Beatrix (World Bank).
Geography of the Netherlands
Figure 2: (http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/images/Netherlands-map2209ei.png
The Netherlands has a total area of 41,532 square kilometres. It is bordered by Germany to the East, Belgium to the South, and by the North Sea to the North and West. The country's capital is Amsterdam, while the actual seat of government is located in The Hague (Den Haag). Other major cities are Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Eindhoven. Although it has a population of almost 17 million people, the biggest city is Amsterdam with an urban population of 780,000 people (CIA World Factbook).
The Netherlands has 12 provinces, the most populous of which are North and South Holland. The largest province is Gelderland, taking up over 10% of the total Dutch landmass despite having a population of 2 million. (CIA World Factbook)
Interestingly, 20% of the landmass of the Netherlands lies below sea level, with 50% just a metre below sea level. Much of the landmass was created by damming off land and draining it, creating very fertile land and irrigation possibilities. (Eupedia.com)
world Context
The Netherlands is part of the continent of Europe and is seen highlighted in white on the map. It is in the Northern Hemisphere, far from the equator as well. Surrounding continents are Africa to the South of Europe, and Asia to the SouthWest. To the East is the UK, and also the Atlantic Ocean. The North holds Scandinavia, and eventually the Arctic.